Written by

Rusty Miller

Associated Press

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller looks to throw during the fourth quarter of Saturday's Big Ten game against Wisconsin. / Andrew Weber/USA TODAY

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COLUMBUS — A week ago, no one was certain Braxton Miller was healthy enough to play in a game.

Now, he thinks he’s still in the Heisman Trophy race.

“The way we keep playing as a team, as a whole, I feel like there’s all type of awards guys can get,” the junior quarterback said after Wednesday’s practice. “So if (the Heisman) comes upon (me), I’m really grateful for what it is. But I’m just going to keep playing my game, me and the guys. Hopefully I’ll be looking forward to it after the season.”

Ohio State (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten) has the nation’s longest winning streak at 17 in a row.

Miller missed more than half of the Buckeyes’ season with a sprained knee ligament sustained in the opening minutes of a Week 2 win against San Diego State.

He didn’t play in the victories at California and at home against Florida A&M as backup Kenny Guiton racked up huge numbers. Guiton had a school-record six touchdown passes, all in the first half, of a 76-0 rout of overmatched FAMU.

It wasn’t until Sept. 26 that Miller was tapped as the starting quarterback against Wisconsin. Coach Urban Meyer was looking for the shiftiness and change-of-direction that is Miller’s hallmark. When Meyer saw that, he stamped Miller as the starter.

Miller then played as if he never had left, throwing four touchdown passes in a 31-24 victory.

“I didn’t miss a beat,” he said.

He threw a crunching block when an Ohio State running back changed direction.

“He was chirping about that all day,” Meyer said, laughing. “He did a good job. That was a great block.”

Miller had crumpled to the ground in pain Sept. 7 after being sandwiched between two Aztec tacklers. Before he was carted off the field, a doctor manipulated his knee and he cried out in pain.

Needless to say, there were a lot of concerns about the three-year starter.

“I was certainly worried,” quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Tom Herman said. “I don’t know that (the injury set him back). Maybe a little bit mentally, just seeing the game over and over again and seeing coverages live and all those things. From a physical standpoint, it didn’t and from a preparation standpoint, it didn’t. But there’s only so much you can do in drills and in the film room. (Facing) live bullets is necessary to gain that experience.”

Herman and Meyer said Miller made a couple of throws against the Badgers he wouldn’t have attempted earlier in his career.

Miller might actually benefit later on from having been hit less so far this season. But that didn’t mean his return was a breeze.

“Man, after the game I was really sore,” he said. “I just feel comfortable where I’m at. Coming back after the knee injury, I felt pretty comfortable just going out with the guys. It’s just a blessing.”

Another concern was there might be a split allegiance among the Buckeyes, between Miller and Guiton. Guiton is a popular, gregarious member of the team. Miller is quieter, more subdued and less demonstrative.

But everyone recognizes Miller’s special talents.

“Braxton’s our guy. At the end of the day, he’s the starter,” said receiver Corey “Philly” Brown, who had two touchdown catches against Wisconsin. “No one was really too concerned about that because Kenny’s done a heck of a job in the games he’s played this year. Whatever quarterback went out on the field with us, we were confident with.”

Now Miller leads the Buckeyes against another ranked team, No. 16 Northwestern. Just like last week, it’s in prime time Saturday — only this time it’s a road game.

“(Our fans) always kind of take over the stadium,” he said. “Our fans travel wherever we go. It feels good. So a different environment, but it’s always a great feeling.”